Putting God's Word into Practice…

1 Peter 2:13-25 True Humility

Christians are called to submit to government officials and employers whether or not they are worthy in our eyes, for the Lord’s sake and in reverence to the example set by Jesus–our Humble King!

Verse 15 says it is God’s will for us to humbly do good and in so doing silence fools. God’s will is not for us to use our mouths to defend ourselves or destroy others, but to live our lives in a way that displays the character of Christ to a watching world.

We are to serve God and others, show honor to everyone, love others and fear the Lord. Following these commands is only possible if our hearts are rooted in humility. We are to be like Jesus, who according to Luke 6:35-36, is kind and merciful to the ungrateful and evil.

In this world people will cause us sorrow unjustly. Because we are made in the image of God, we hate injustice and long to see it righted. However, God is the only Judge! He sees and knows all–nothing is hidden from Him. Therefore, we are free to respond to injustice like Jesus, trusting the unjust to God the Father.

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered FOR YOU. He is your example, and you MUST follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who ALWAYS judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd and the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:21-25

Remembering that Jesus was treated unjustly on account of our sins ushers in the humility God requires of us toward others. When we are grounded in grace, it becomes our natural response to those who offend us.

Have you been insulted, afflicted, or wounded by others? Jesus was, yet He did not retaliate or threaten revenge. He forgave, made righteous, and healed. He offered mercy and grace. Amazingly, God can use our humility also to heal and restore others spiritually.

Since Jesus put sinners’ needs first by making himself nothing and taking the on the role of servant, even humbling himself to death (Philippians 2:5-8); I ought even more to put others before myself and humbly submit to authority for the sake of their souls, offering others the same grace that was afforded to me.